Senior Optical Systems Engineer
CACI International· Defense· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Danbury, CT, US
In office
Full-time
Senior
$73K–$149K
5+ years exp
Job description
Job Title: Senior Optical Systems Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: None
Type of Travel: None
* * *
The Opportunity:
The Optical Systems Engineer maintains an understanding of the function and design of existing products, supports the development of new products and technologies on contractual programs or internal projects, and provides guidance and/or leadership of integrated product teams through the lifecycle of products, specializing in the areas of optical system performance design, analysis, and testing methods. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of optical imaging systems for orbital military reconnaissance systems and/or space-based platforms, manage requirements, and perform formal verification of systems and/or subassemblies.
Responsibilities:
• Review and evaluation of customer requirement documents.
• Work with the technical team to establish robust and executable program plans including the identification of tasks, trade studies, modelling and analyses, and risk and opportunity identification and management
• Development and maintenance of specifications, technical budgets, requirements verification matrices, verification plans (including analysis plans and test plans), and review of test procedures and verification artifacts.
• Interfacing with customers through the product life cycle, from validation of requirements, support of platform conceptual interface development, requirements verification, sell-off, and post-delivery support.
• Working with program teams, including other engineering disciplines and program management, to develop optical system design concepts and decompose and flow down system requirements to lower-level assemblies and components.
• Preparation and presentation of material for formal design reviews and customer meetings, supporting system level testing, and generation of end item data package materials to demonstrate compliance to customer and internal requirements.
• Document statement of work (SOW) and performance specifications for subcontracted items
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or a related field; with 5 years of related experience
• Familiarity with optical systems for visible through long wave infrared applications both imaging systems
• Experience writing technical reports and making technical presentations
• Creating and maintaining interface control documentation
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Writing requirements specifications, verification matrices, verification plans, and verification reports
• Decomposition of complex systems into logical building blocks and the ability to develop the requisite error budgets and requirements traceability
• Evaluation and definition of the optical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental inputs into a system and their influence on overall requirements compliance
• Proficient written communication skills including technical writing
• Proficient verbal skills including technical presentations with the ability and technical confidence to brief a variety of internal and external customers
• Technical leadership of cross-functional/discipline teams
Desired:
• Familiarity with Model Base Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Data analysis development in MatLab, Mathematica, or similar tools
• Program planning including scope definition and task estimation
• Parts, materials, and processes for space environments
• Modeling and analysis of EO/IR systems
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What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range :
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$72,700 - $149,200
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.
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